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1. Physical,

2. Chemical, and

3. Biological hazards.

Physical Hazards

Physical hazards are present in ordinary equipment

or surroundings. Electrical equipment, open flames,

laboratory instruments and glassware can all be hazardous

if improperly used.

Electricity

¾ All electrical equipment must be properly grounded

following the manufacturer’s instructions

¾ Even minor repairs, such as replacement of the microscope bulbs, require that instrument be disconnected

from the power supply before the work is begun

¾ All electrical cords and plugs be kept in good shape and

order with no frayed cords or exposed wires

¾ Avoid overloaded circuits

¾ Extension cords present several safety hazards and

should not be used except in emergency.

Fire

Fire is a potential danger in the workplace:♥

¾ Though rare, they can occur when open flames are

used in the vicinity of flammable liquids

¾ Make sure that loose clothing and long hair do not

catch fire

¾ Instead of open flames, use hot plates, microwave

ovens, electric incinerators and slide warmers

¾ Store flammable chemicals in a flameproof cabinet,

away from heat sources and well-ventilated area. A

flameproof cabinet can protect flammable chemical

Laboratory 7

from flames until firefighters arrive and also allow

workers more time to escape

¾ All laboratory workers must know about the escape

route and procedure to follow if that exit is blocked

¾ All workers must know the location of fire extinguishers

and how to use them

¾ Inspect all fire extinguishers periodically and log the

date of inspection.

Usual Causes of Fire in the Laboratory

¾ Naked flames (do not work with loose clothing and

long hair near naked flames). Naked flames can also

ignite flammable liquids and gases

¾ Electrical overloading. Use one socket for one

equipment only. Do not operate a 15 amp equipment

from a 5 amp socket

¾ Poor electrical maintenance. No frayed or open/

exposed wires be ever used

¾ Leaving equipment switched when not in use. Out of

sight is out of mind

¾ Deteriorated gas tubing. Leakage of gas is an open

invitation to fire hazard. If you suspect gas leakage,

do not operate any electrical equipment (do not ever

switch on a light or a fan)

¾ Smoking in the laboratory

¾ Misusing matches. Use carbonized matches as far as

possible

¾ Storing flammable and explosive chemicals in an

ordinary refrigerator.

When a Fire Occur

¾ For tiny blazes; water, sand and a fire blanket can be

employed to put out the fire. For larger blaze, a fire

extinguisher can be used

¾ Never use water on an electrical fire or one caused

by organic solvents (ether, alcohol, petrol, etc.). For

electrical fires, use carbon dioxide fire extinguisher. For

organic solvents, use sand or halon

¾ Escape via the fire exit route. Stay close to the floor,